A80640:337
The way of Congregational churches cleared in two treatises. In the former, from the…
The way of Congregational churches cleared in two treatises. In the former, from the historical aspersions of Mr. Robert Baylie, in his book, called, A dissuasive from the errors of the time. In the latter, from some contradictions of Vindicæ Clavium : and from, some mis-constructions of learned Mr. Rutherford in his book entitled The due right of presbyteries. / By Mr. John Cotton, sometime preacher at Boston in Lincoln-shire, and now teacher of the Church at Boston, in New-England.The way of Congregational churches cleared in two treatises. In the former, from the historical aspersions of Mr. Robert Baylie, in his book, called, A disswasive from the errors of the time. In the latter, from some contradictions of Vindicæ Clavium : and from, some mis-constructions of learned Mr. Rutherford in his book intituled The due right of presbyteries. / By Mr. John Cotton, sometime preacher at Boston in Lincoln-shire, and now teacher of the Church at Boston, in New-England.
London: printed by Matthew Simmons for John Bellamie, 1648
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
That it hath exceedingly hindered the conversion of the poor Pagans. The principles and practise of Independents doth cross this work and hope of it. What have they to do with those that are without? Their Pastors preach not for ⟨p. 74⟩conversion: their Relation is to their flock, who are Church-members, converted already to their hand by the labours of other men, before they can be admitted into their Church. Of all that ever crossed the American Seas, they are noted as most neglectful of the work of Conversion. I have read of none of them, that seem to have minded this matter.
That it hath exceedingly hindred the conversion of the poor Pagans. The principles and practise of Independents doth crosse this work and hope of it. What have they to do with those that are without? Their Pastors preach not for ⟨p. 74⟩conversion: their Relation is to their flock, who are Church-members, converted already to their hand by the labours of other men, before they can be admitted into their Church. Of all that ever crossed the American Seas, they are noted as most neglectfull of the work of Conversion. I have read of none of them, that seeme to have minded this matter.
Answ. This is indeed a shameful absurdity, if it be true: but a sinful and shameful calumny, if it be false. As indeed false it is in every branch of it. First, there is no principle or allowed practise of ours that doth hinder (much less exceedingly hinder) the work or hope of the conversion of the Natives: though we profess we have nothing to do to censure Indians, and so to judge them that are without; yet we think it a principal (though not the only) work and duty of our Ministry to attend the work of conversion, both of carnal English, and other Nations, whether Christian, or Pagan. The neglect of it, we look at as an ungracious and uncharitable fancy. How shall men (ordinarily) be converted to the faith without hearing? and how shall they hear without preaching? and how shall they preach, unless they be sent? and who are now sent, but Pastors and Teachers?